After several disagreements in passing the bill to place the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining, and Energy Union (CFMEU) under administration, some Coalition and Independent MPs claimed credit for raising the issue and ensuring the bill’s passage.
As soon as the bill was introduced in the House after amendments by the Home Minister Tony Burke, arguments erupted.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley, accused the Labor government, which she claimed was funded by the CFMEU and won the last election using union funds, of falling into its own trap.
“You might have won the last election because of the CFMEU, but you aren’t running the show now. Only the Coalition has what it takes to stand up to the CFMEU. Your name might be on this bill, but we did the work. I commend the bill to the House,” Ley said.
Noting the “deep irony” of the situation, Ley added that, “Today is an important day in our national story. It is the day that the Australian Labor Party has been forced to deal with a monster of its own making.”
The opposition also accused the government of rushing the legislation into Parliament without adequate consultation.
“We secured a key amendment that the administration period lasts for a minimum of three years. That will ensure that the CFMEU faces scrutiny today, tomorrow, over the coming months, and after the election.”
The opposition also raised the contributions of media outlets and the Senate for ensuring the bill’s passage.
Meanwhile, Shadow Minister for Housing Michael Sukkar noted long-term impact of CFMEU’s actions, particularly on driving up construction costs in the country, including in the residential housing industry.
Adam Bandt, leader of the Australian Greens, criticised the bill as rushed legislation of which consequences have not been fully considered.
“The government, in its own words, has brought in an unprecedented piece of legislation and the toughest action ever taken against any union. In doing this in such a rushed way, no one has read the law yet, and you still need to know the consequences,” Bandt said.
